Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Full biography Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Erich Wolfgang Korngold was a Moravian-born American composer and conductor , born on May 29, 1897. He was a child prodigy who began composing at a young age, and went on to become one of the most significant composers of his time. Korngold was primarily known for his film scores, but he also wrote much absolute music, including his Violin Concerto, which is widely regarded as one of the best concertos of the 20th century.

Korngold's music was heavily influenced by the Romantic tradition, and he was known for his lush, melodic style. He was also an innovator in film scoring, using new techniques such as incorporating leitmotifs to enhance the emotional impact of the films he worked on. Despite his success as a film composer, Korngold struggled to gain recognition as a serious composer in the classical music world, and he faced criticism for his decision to write film scores.

In addition to his film scores, Korngold wrote a significant amount of non-programmatic music, including works for chamber ensembles and orchestras. He was heavily influenced by the music of Mozart, Wagner, and Strauss, and his compositions often reflected the Romantic ideals of beauty, emotion, and passion. Despite facing criticism during his lifetime, Korngold's music has stood the test of time, and his impact on the world of classical and film music is significant.